Richters ProGrowers Info
Richters ProGrowers Info |
Alfalfa
(Medicago sativa ) |
Market
|
Products: (seeds, leaf, herb); (herb, sprouts)
Market size: (excluding acreage planted for fodder): 12,000 hectares (world); 5,000 ha (North America)
Prospects: prices and acreage up
|
Culture |
Seed density: 350 seeds/gram
Exposure: full sun
Soil: light, well-drained; pH 6.0-7.5
Crop duration: 1-4 years
|
(herb) |
Sowing rate: 9-13kg/ha
Planting: sow direct in field in early spring, broadcast or sow in rows, 15-30cm apart. Two or more cuts at bud stage possible; last cut 6 weeks before killing frost. Heavy potash and phosphorus feeder.
Yield: dry herb 8-10,000kg/ha (years 1-4).
Pests: weevil, leafminer, leafhopper, snout beetle
Diseases: verticillium wilt, leafspot, phytophthora root rot.
Buyers want: organic product.
|
(sprouts) |
Planting: soak seeds overnight; drain, keep moist. Ready in 3-5 days.
Yield: 4kg(sprouts)/kg(seeds).
|
|
|
Dried Production
 
Fresh Production
Oil Production
Potted Plant Production
Back to ProGrower Herb List
|
|